As the 2025–2026 school year kicks off, Tennessee classrooms are buzzing with fresh energy, new faces, and big goals. But with all that excitement comes a recurring challenge: litter. From pre-K to college, the return to school often means an uptick in waste that can affect health, morale, and even budgets. According to Keep America Beautiful, educational institutions incur an estimated $241 million in litter-related costs annually. That money could go toward better supplies, equipment, or enrichment.

This school year, make a difference by implementing litter prevention strategies and helping create a cleaner, healthier learning environment for students. Discover Nobody Trashes Tennessee’s top tips for maintaining a litter-free school year across Tennessee!

Why School Litter Hurts More Than Just the Ground

Have you ever seen a cafeteria trash can overflowing by noon? Or walked past gum wrappers outside the gym? Litter in schools can create a wide range of problems that affect a student’s learning outcomes. For example, when food waste is not disposed of properly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and insects, posing health risks. Additionally, it isn’t great for school morale. Litter can be distracting and demotivating to students, impacting their mental health.

Moreover, trash on campus can damage school property. Consider the last time there was severe flooding in the area. Now, imagine the impact when debris clogs drains. Furthermore, waste can cause wear and tear on campus grounds, contributing to high costs associated with littering.

Clean and well-maintained schools create a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere for everyone involved, from students who learn and grow there to teachers who dedicate their time and effort.

Tips for Effective Litter Prevention in Schools

Now that we understand the impact of litter in schools, how do we prevent it? Here are a few environmental practices for students to learn so they can help create a litter-free Tennessee:

Tip #1: Talk About Trash Early and Often

Encourage student involvement in litter prevention from the start.

• To kick off the year, consider launching a school-wide “Clean Campus Challenge” to generate early enthusiasm and excitement.
• Teachers can incorporate short lessons on this topic into science or social studies classes, while school staff can model positive behaviors.
• If you notice a student or peer littering, don’t hesitate to speak up! This simple action can lead to meaningful change.

Tip #2: Make Trash Bins Work Smarter, Not Harder

Are bins placed where students actually need them—by entrances, exits, and outdoor areas?

• Implementing proper waste disposal is essential for curbing the school litter problem.
• Ensure there are enough trash bins throughout the school and that waste is collected and disposed of regularly.
• If your school doesn’t have a recycling program or other litter-free initiatives, now is a great time to petition for one.
• Help students identify what trash can be recycled to help them develop environmental practices early.

Tip #3: Turn Pride Into Action

One of the most effective ways to combat litter on school grounds is to foster a litter-free culture among students and staff.

• Start or revive an eco-club, or challenge homerooms to “adopt” parts of campus and keep them clean.
• Publicly celebrate students who speak up when they see someone litter or who go out of their way to pick up trash without being asked.
• Establish a school-wide litter policy that incorporates the steps above.
• Participation in community cleanup events can also instill a sense of civic responsibility in students, encouraging them to maintain a cleaner environment beyond the school grounds.

Join the Movement to Create Litter-Free Schools

Maintaining a litter-free school is crucial, but remember that keeping Tennessee clean is a collective responsibility. Use the tips above to create a cleaner, healthier, and safer learning environment, and extend these practices to your local community. Be part of the solution to end littering in Tennessee! Even small changes can make a significant difference to our environment.

Sources:

• Keep America Beautiful 2020 Litter Study
  (Keep America Beautiful, kab.org)
• Littering Costs Everyone
  (Anderson County Litter Program, LitterFreeinTennessee.org)